PRELIMINARY FINDINGS OF A POTENZIATED PIEZOSURGERGICAL DEVICE AT THE RABBIT SKULL

The number of available ultrasonic osteotomes has remarkably increased. In vitro and in vivo studies have revealed differences between conventional osteotomes, such as rotating or sawing devices, and ultrasound-supported osteotomes (Piezosurgery®) regarding the micromorphology and roughness values of osteotomized bone surfaces. Objective: the present study compares the micro-morphologies and roughness values of osteotomized bone surfaces after the application of rotating and sawing devices, Piezosurgery Medical® and Piezosurgery Medical New Generation Powerful Handpiece. Methods: Fresh, standard-sized bony samples were taken from a rabbit skull using the following osteotomes: rotating and sawing devices, Piezosurgery Medical® and a Piezosurgery Medical New Generation Powerful Handpiece. The required duration of time for each osteotomy was recorded. Micromorphologies and roughness values to characterize the bone surfaces following the different osteotomy methods were described. The prepared surfaces were examined via light microscopy, environmental surface electron microscopy (ESEM), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), confocal laser scanning microscopy (CLSM) and atomic force microscopy. The selective cutting of mineralized tissues while preserving adjacent soft tissue (dura mater and nervous tissue) was studied. Bone necrosis of the osteotomy sites and the vitality of the osteocytes near the sectional plane were investigated, as well as the proportion of apoptosis or cell degeneration. Results and Conclusions: The potential positive effects on bone healing and reossification associated with different devices were evaluated and the comparative analysis among the different devices used was performed, in order to determine the best osteotomes to be employed during cranio-facial surgery

Resolvin E1 actions on polymorphonuclear neutrophils in diabetes

Dissertation (DScD) -- Boston University, Henry M. Goldman School of Dental Medicine, 2010 (Department of Periodontology and Oral Biology).Diabetes and periodontal disease exhibit a bidirectional relationship centered on an enhanced inflammatory response manifested both locally and systemically. The observation that hyperglycemia by itself, in the absence of additional inflammatory signals, promotes a proinflammatory environment indicates that diabetes is an independent risk factor for periodontal disease. Leukocyte pre-activation or priming in diabetes has been demonstrated. Excessive ROS release by leukocytes, upregulation of pro-inflammatory mediators and adhesion molecules are characteristic to T2DM-associated low-grade inflammation. However, the mechanisms by which chronic hyperglycemia leads to leukocyte activation are not fully understood. [TRUNCATED